The "Declaration of the People of Rupert's Land and the North-West" resulted due to a lack of government presence in the Red River Valley by the Hudson's Bay Company.
The "Declaration of the People of Rupert's Land and the North-West" was a significant document that emerged in response to the absence of effective governance by the Hudson's Bay Company (HBC) in the Red River Valley region. This declaration, also known as the "Declaration of Red River," was issued on November 2, 1869, in the Red River Settlement (present-day Manitoba, Canada).
During the mid-19th century, the HBC held a virtual monopoly over vast territories in present-day Canada, including Rupert's Land and the North-Western Territory. These territories encompassed the Red River Valley, an area inhabited predominantly by Métis people (who were of mixed Indigenous and European ancestry) and Indigenous communities.
However, the HBC's control and administration of these territories were limited, and the lack of effective governance became increasingly problematic for the growing population. The settlers, particularly the Métis, experienced numerous issues such as land disputes, lack of representation, unfair trade practices, and cultural marginalization.
The catalyst for the "Declaration of the People of Rupert's Land and the North-West" was the HBC's decision to transfer its territory to the Dominion of Canada without any consultation or input from the local inhabitants. This transfer, known as the Deed of Surrender, was a cause of great concern for the people living in the region as it threatened their rights, land claims, and way of life.
Feeling a profound sense of injustice, Louis Riel, a Métis leader, emerged as a prominent figure and spearheaded the movement to draft a proclamation that would outline the demands and grievances of the Red River Valley inhabitants. The resulting declaration was a collective effort and reflected the aspirations of various communities in the region.
The declaration demanded recognition of the rights and claims of the settlers, as well as the establishment of a representative government for the Red River settlements. It emphasized the need for fair land distribution, protection of Indigenous peoples' rights, and cultural autonomy.
The declaration served as a powerful statement of the people's defiance against the HBC and their determination to have their voices heard. It ultimately led to the establishment of a provisional government in the Red River Valley, known as the Red River Resistance.
This movement and the "Declaration of the People of Rupert's Land and the North-West" played a crucial role in shaping the history of Western Canada. It highlighted the importance of local participation, representation, and the rights of marginalized communities in the formation of governments and governance structures.